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Press Release

Attorney Admits Filing False Tax Returns

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Connecticut

John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that JUSTIN C. FREEMAN, 46, of Manchester, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to a federal tax charge related to his filing false tax returns that substantially underreported his income.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Freeman is an attorney who owns and operates his own law practice, The Law Offices of Justin C. Freeman, based in Hartford.  For the 2010, 2011 and 2012 tax years, Freeman signed individual federal income tax returns that significantly underreported the income he received from his law practice.  The returns were subsequently filed by his tax preparer.

For 2010, Freeman reported $476,228 in total income, but actually earned $860,041.93.  For 2011, he reported $410,002 in total income, but actually earned $1,093,147.43.  For 2012, he reported $529,673 in total income, but actually earned $696,559.43.

Freeman pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return.  Judge Dooley scheduled sentencing for February 20, 2019, at which time Freeman faces a maximum term of imprisonment of three years and a fine of up to approximately $840,000.  He has paid $419,259 in back taxes, and has agreed to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.

This matter is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan L. Wines.

Updated November 28, 2018

Topic
Tax